Dame Prue Leith Surprises Travellers at Newcastle Station with Unexpected Flavours

LNER challenges the concept of ‘uninspiring’ train food with an off-board menu a-PRUE-ved by renowned cook

Prue Leith hosted the LNER Taste Station at Newcastle Central Station. Featuring unusual ‘off-board’ food creations from LNER’s local suppliers, the event aimed to dispel the myth that train food is ‘uninspiring’. 

From a Popping Jack Roll to BaNacon Sponge, these inventive creations left Brits taste buds tingling and wanting more, proving that there are endless possibilities when it comes to train food and good quality ingredients.

These a-PRUE-ved dishes were tried and tested by the UK’s very own cooking grande, Prue Leith, who is working with LNER to help redefine perceptions of train food and encouraging Brits to try new things – whether that’s exploring the UK or taking their taste buds on a journey of their own through its latest menu. Prue is renowned for being at the forefront of transforming train cuisine, after being recruited to the board of British Rail more than forty years ago.

Prue Leith, campaigner, cookery writer and Bake-off judge, said: “Train food has come a long way since my campaigning days 25 years ago. It’s great to see train companies really pushing themselves to provide fresh, creative and local on-board menus... and it’s fantastic to taste these unexpected creations from LNER’s talented suppliers!”

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, added: “At LNER, we’ve always believed that train food should be much more than just a sad sandwich. Our menu is a key part of the travel experience, and it was fantastic to be able to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation through these unexpected food combinations today. We were thrilled by the positive reactions from our customers who enjoyed the wide range of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce, and we’re excited to continue redefining the perception of train food.”

LNER Taste Station menu:

• Popping Jack Roll – A surprising, vegetarian ‘pork’ roll with explosive popping candy flavours and warming rum to take your taste buds on a journey

• BaNacon Sponge – A deliciously moist banana and bacon cake infused and topped with crispy bacon

• Crisp-y Chocolate Truffle – The ultimate sweet and savoury combination, melt in your mouth truffles injected with a tangy orange marmalade and encased with the crunch of a ready salted crisp

• Ale & Rarebit Shortbread – A modern take on traditional Welsh Rarebit, swapping crunchy toast for crumbly shortbread biscuit and a hearty ale 

• Katsu Chicken-and-Egg roll -  a butterly delicious pastry encasing a mix of chicken and pork shoulder, Katsu flavouring and a perfectly cooked boiled egg

LNER’s local suppliers involved in the LNER Taste Station event:

• Reids: Specialises in producing traditional handmade biscuits, shortbreads, and baked goods

• The Original Baker: Offers artisan breads, pies, and pastries made with local ingredients

• On a Roll: Provides freshly made sandwiches and wraps for grab-and-go convenience

• The Fruity Kitchen: Crafts high-quality, small-batch fruit preserves and chutneys

• Taste Tradition: Supplies premium, locally reared and butchered meats

• Beckleberry’s: Creates gourmet ice creams, sorbets, and desserts

• Libations: Specialises in crafting small-batch, artisan rum

• Masons: Distils premium, locally sourced gin and vodka

• Rudgate: A brewery known for its traditional and craft beers

• Gudness: Specialises in creating healthy, Indian breakfast snack pots

LNER’s on-board menu is like no other - combining exciting flavours with fresh, local ingredients from suppliers who have changed the meaning of ‘train food’.